Harold Ford Jr. won't contribute to MSNBC until resolving allegations

FILE - In this Monday, Jan. 25, 2010, file photo, Harold Ford Jr. talks to reporters at the Capitol in Albany, N.Y. On Thursday, Dec. 7, 2017, Morgan Stanley fired former Congressman Ford following allegations of misconduct. In a tweet Ford denied the allegations. Ford joined Morgan Stanley in 2011 as a managing director. He was a Democratic congressman for Tennessee from 1997 to 2007.(Photo: Mike Groll, AP)

NEW YORK — Former Congressman Harold Ford Jr. will not be a contributor on MSNBC's "Morning Joe" program until allegations of misconduct against him are resolved.

"Morning Joe" co-host Mika Brzezinski announced Friday that Ford and MSNBC agreed the frequent contributor would not appear until resolving recent accusations.

The announcement comes a day after Ford was fired by Morgan Stanley amid a report by HuffPost that a woman alleged that Ford forcibly grabbed her several years ago, engaging in harassment and intimidation.

Ford denied the allegations and told HuffPost he planned on bringing legal action against the reporter who made the claims and Morgan Stanley for improper termination."

Ford joined Morgan Stanley in 2011 as a managing director. He was a Democratic congressman for Tennessee from 1997 to 2007.

Political reporter Mark Halperin was also suspended from his role as an MSNBC contributor following allegations of misconduct.

Sen. Al Franken says he will resign. He joins a long list of other high profile people accused of sexual harassment and assault in recent months. Some question why the process to remove politicians takes longer than those in other industries.
USA TODAY